DURATION

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

TOUR ROUTE

Mumbai – Goa – Cochin – Thekkady – Alleppey – Cochin

MAP:

Day 1

10 February 2019

Arrival in Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai. Welcome to India, your local guide, Vikas Kumar will be there to meet you, will be at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, or kick start your adventure off a few of the local sights including a visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), High Court , Mumbai City Museum and the Gateway to India and one of the many ancient bazaars.

Overnight Mumbai

Day 2

11 February 2019

Mumbai

After breakfast, we leave for Elephanta Island, a small island in the middle of the Mumbai Harbour rich with rock cut temples. It is a UNESCO World Hertiage Site dating back to AD450-750.

Lunch at the famous Leopolds’s Restaurant. In the afternoon wonder around the Colaba area and soak up the atmosphere or simply stroll along one of the many streets that make up this interesting area of Mumbai.

* Optional extras

Early morning walking tour of old Mumbai, including the fish and flower markets as well as the Mumbai’s famous outdoor laundry).

High Tea at the infamous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (known as the Taj).

Mumbai is a city of contrasts—from glitzy Marine Drive to the congested slums of Dharavi, the energy and liveliness here is undeniable. There’s plenty to discover in this metropolis, be it the rich colonial history, glamorous Bollywood, or the daily life of the incredibly diverse millions who call Mumbai home.

Overnight Mumbai

Day 3

12 February 2019

Goa

After an early breakfast, transfer to Mumbai airport for your late morning/early afternoon flight to Goa. Transfer to Panjim . Rest of the day to relax, and explore at your leisure.

Day 4

13 February 2019

Goa

Day to explore Panjim (the capital of Goa) and around south Goa eg Loutolim village in the heart of South Goa). Loutolim is an ancient Brahmin village, predating by hundreds of years the Portuguese Era (1510-1961), it is justifiably described as one of Goa’s most beautiful and historic villages. Also continue on the beach at Benaulim (a long stretch of beach to the south).

Only 20 minutes from the coast, less than an hour from the capital Panjim, and 20 minutes both from Ponda with its surrounding temples and spice plantations, and Margao, the bustling commercial centre of the South, Loutolim could not be better placed for exploring the whole of Southern and Central Goa –coastal and beautiful hinterland.

Day 5

14 February 2019

Goa

Arrive early for your Cookery Class and Market Tour experience in the rich and aromatic Indian Cuisine. You will start with an ethnic breakfast, a guided local farmer’s market tour, brief introduction to different spices, masalas, ingredients etc., demonstration cooking class in five classic delicacies and participation in at least two of these dishes followed by a sumptuous lunch. You have all the time to indulge in learning cooking, relishing the dishes, asking question and clarifying your doubts and having friendly interaction over culinary culture and tradition of Goa.

16 February 2019

Cochin

Catch a morning flight to Cochin where you will be met and transferred to Fort Cochin. If you are joining the group at Cochin, you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives. Spend the afternoon exploring Cochin. There are galleries, cafes, boutiques in addition to beautiful old churches and of course the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Overnight Cochin

Day 8

17 February 20198

Cochin

A full day to explore Jew town and Mattancherry and the spice warehouses.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a Kathakali performance this evening.

Overnight Cochin

Day 9

18 February 2019

Thekkady

A spectacular drive today (3 hours) through the Cardamom hills – lined with tea, cocoa, tapioca, bamboo, coconut, banana, and of course cardamom to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar National Park. In the afternoon wander the village with its great array of fabulous shops, or indulge in an Ayurvedic Massage.

Overnight Thekkady

Day 10

19 February 2019

Thekkady

Take a walk through the park this morning and perhaps a boat trip on the lake in the afternoon.

Overnight Thekkady

Day 11

20 February 2019

Houseboat Alleppey

Depart after an early breakfast to Alleppey (4 hours) to meet your houseboat on the backwaters. Made in the traditional rice barge or Kettuvalam style and luxuriously fitted out, each boat has one or several bedrooms, a dining room, open lounge and deck. A captain and cook are on hand to look after your every need. Spend the afternoon drifting along coconut lined canals, past small villages that laze on the myriad islands along the backwaters.

Overnight Houseboat

Day 12

21 February 2019

Homestay Alleppey

After breakfast, you will be dropped at your homestay, where your charming hosts will look after you. The homestay is situated on a car-free island and the only way to get around is on foot, cycle or boat. Do all three or just chill in a hammock watching life pass by at a snail’s pace.

Overnight Chennamkary (Alleppey)

Day 13

22 February 2019

Homestay Alleppey

Day at lesiure in your homestay.

Overnight Chennamkary (Alleppey)

Day 14

23 February 2019

Departure day

Depart at leisure back to Cochin (2 hours) and transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.